Major work underway at Hopwood Hall Estate

Date published: 27 September 2019

The regeneration of the Hopwood Hall Estate is progressing after work began this month on the second wave of the emergency upgrade works.

The renovation is being led by Hopwood DePree, an actor/producer from Los Angeles and a descendant of the Hopwood Family, whose ancestral home was Hopwood Hall from when it was built until the 1920s. It has sat vacant for 30 years and is on Historic England’s 'At Risk' register.

Rosslee Construction based in Lancashire began work earlier this month to stabilise the Hall and make it wind and watertight. Rosslee is expected to complete in early 2020 as part of a £276K matching-grant from Historic England and Rochdale Council.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/117695/hopwood-hall-estate-to-receive-£276000-repairs-grant-from-historic-england

This second phase of emergency works follows Manchester-based Buttress Architects’ design brief, which was put out to tender earlier this year, and subsequently won by Rosslee.

The old hall dates back to feudal days, and still retains many structural and architectural features from the 14th century right until present day. The original hall was of early timber construction, rebuilt in Tudor brick by John Hopwood during 1687-90. Painstakingly intricate wood carvings, hundreds of years old, can be found covering the walls inside the hall.

Hopwood DePree of Hopwood Hall Estate said: “Our on-going and urgent goal has been to get Hopwood Hall protected against the elements ensuring that it can be both wind and watertight as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage to this beautiful building. Having the second wave of emergency works led by Rosslee underway will take us closer to achieving this vital step forward on the path to returning Hopwood Hall to its original splendour and to benefitting the entire community. We are also removing the debris from collapsed sections of the Hall and stabilising the Hall’s structure so we can move on to the next phase of the rescue.”

Gary Clarkson, MD of Rosslee Construction commented: “This is a great local project for us to be a part of where we can utilise our heritage skills and expertise.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “It’s great to see that this exciting project has taken another step forward with our support. This work will help prevent further deterioration of this important building and preserve it for future generations. We’ve already invested well over than £250,000 into the hall over the last five years and are working closely with Hopwood to help him realise his plans to bring it back into use.”

Historic England’s Peter Barlow said: “Hopwood Hall is a very special building and we are glad to have helped fund this important next stage in repair works. Restoring this fragile building requires patience and expertise, so we’re pleased that Rosslee’s many years of experience will be used on this part of the project.”

Additionally, ‘Friends of Hopwood Hall Estate’ - a constituted community group has also been helping to move rescue efforts forward. On Saturday evening 30 November, they will be hosting a special gala dinner at Manchester Golf Club. Tickets are available for the general public with all proceeds going to benefit the ‘Friends’ mission and activities to assist in saving the Hall.